> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dhiwisepvtltd-5e04e6a4.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Databases and CMS

> Compare Supabase, Airtable, Strapi, and Directus inside Rocket.new to choose the right backend or headless CMS for your app data and content.

Rocket supports four backend integrations, each designed for different use cases. This page helps you choose the right one.

## Quick answer

* For a full-stack backend with auth, database, storage, and edge functions, use **Supabase**.
* For lightweight data management with a spreadsheet-style interface, use **Airtable**.
* For content management with a visual admin panel, use **Strapi** or **Directus**.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Supabase connects via OAuth. Airtable uses a personal access token. Strapi and Directus use an API token plus your instance URL.

## Comparison table

*Scroll right to see all four services*

| Feature | Supabase | Airtable | Strapi | Directus |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| **Best for** | Full-stack app backend | Lightweight data, CRM, internal tools | Blog and content management | Content management on any SQL DB |
| **Database** | PostgreSQL (full SQL) | Proprietary (spreadsheet-style) | SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL | Any SQL database |
| **User authentication** | Built-in (email, social, magic links) | No | Plugin-based | Admin-level (not end-user auth) |
| **File storage** | Built-in | Attachment fields | Media library | Asset management |
| **Edge functions** | Yes (Deno) | No | No | Flows (automation) |
| **REST API** | Auto-generated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| **GraphQL** | Via extension | No | Yes | Yes |
| **Admin panel** | Supabase Dashboard | Airtable UI | Visual admin | Visual admin |
| **Self-hosted option** | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| **Free tier** | 500 MB DB, 1 GB storage | 1,000 records per base | Self-hosted (free) | Self-hosted (free) |
| **Connection method** | OAuth | Personal access token | API token + URL | Access token + URL |

## Detailed recommendations

### Building a web or mobile app that needs user accounts and a database

**Use Supabase.** It provides a PostgreSQL database, user authentication (email, Google, GitHub, magic links), file storage, and edge functions in a single platform. Rocket connects via OAuth, so you do not need to manage API keys.

```plaintext wrap theme={null}
Connect Supabase and add user signup with email and Google login. Create a profiles table with name, avatar, and bio fields.
```

### Need a simple database for leads, inventory, or internal tools

**Use Airtable.** It works like a spreadsheet with the power of a database. It is great for managing leads, content calendars, inventory, and lightweight CRM workflows. Non-technical team members can view and edit data directly in Airtable's interface.

```plaintext wrap theme={null}
Connect Airtable and display my product inventory in a searchable table. Let users filter by category and sort by price.
```

### Building a blog, docs site, or content-heavy website

**Use Strapi or Directus.** Both are headless CMS platforms with visual admin panels for managing articles, pages, and media. Choose based on your database preference:

* **Strapi** has a larger community, more plugins, and a built-in media library. It works with SQLite, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.
* **Directus** wraps any existing SQL database with an instant API. Choose it if you already have a database or want GraphQL support.

```plaintext wrap theme={null}
Connect Strapi and pull blog posts with categories, author pages, featured images, and an RSS feed.
```

### Using multiple backends in the same app

**Combine Supabase with a CMS.** Use Supabase for user accounts and dynamic data, and Strapi or Directus for editorial content. This is common for SaaS products with a blog, or e-commerce sites with a product catalog managed by a content team.

```plaintext wrap theme={null}
Use Supabase for user accounts and Strapi for blog content. Show personalized content recommendations based on the user's reading history.
```

## Browse database and CMS integrations

> **[Supabase](https://dhiwisepvtltd-5e04e6a4.mintlify.site/build/connectors/supabase/overview.md)**
>
> PostgreSQL database, auth, storage, and edge functions.

> **[Airtable](https://dhiwisepvtltd-5e04e6a4.mintlify.site/build/connectors/airtable.md)**
>
> Spreadsheet-meets-database for lightweight data management.

> **[Strapi](https://dhiwisepvtltd-5e04e6a4.mintlify.site/build/connectors/strapi.md)**
>
> Open-source headless CMS with a visual admin panel.

> **[Directus](https://dhiwisepvtltd-5e04e6a4.mintlify.site/build/connectors/directus.md)**
>
> Open-source CMS wrapping any SQL database with instant API.


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